During the golden days of Hollywood, Brazil was experiencing a cultural and economic growth period at the tail end of the coffee boom. Here in Rio, a number of things were occurring, including international recognition of the city, mostly due to the casinos in Copacabana. In the old downtown area, a number of movie houses were...
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Across Av. Rio Branco (toward the ocean) is an area full of galleries and cultural spaces. First, there’s the Casa França (Rua Visconde de Itaboraí 78, noon–6pm Tuesday–Sunday), which has temporary and permanent scultpure exhibitions in an 1820 neoclassic building. The building was designed as a fine arts school, but...
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The pace of life in Trancoso is always calm and laid-back. Even in peak season, the little village does not get too stirred up. Here, the pousadas are spread around the old village and along the beaches. And those are the two most important parts of Trancoso. The Village is where you’ll find shops, pousadas and restaurants in...
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The beaches in Trancoso are slightly less populated than those in Arraial, but the layout is similar. In Trancoso, however, the northern and southern beaches are separated by the Trancoso River, which you can cross either by swimming or by taking a small boat for about R$3. Of Course, you can also hike up to the village, across, and...
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On the south side of the village are beaches with slightly more turbulent waters, although they are nevertheless excellent for swimming. The water here is clearer and bluer than on the north coast, largely due to the many rivers that flow into the ocean along this part of the coast. The first beach you come to on the south coast is...
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Chocolate, or more specifically the Cacao fruit, first appears on our radar in Egypt in the 16th century BCT. Little is know of its use in Egyptian culture, but the first known cultivation of the fruit is by the Aztec culture of around 600 CT. The Aztecs and Mayans believed that their ancestors brought the Cacao seeds from paradise...
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Grupo Corpo is probably Brazil’s most highly regarded modern dance company. They travel all over the world demonstrating their interpretations and unique choreography. This particular piece is a delightful number that is typical of their casual and whimsical dance style and upbeat and childlike mood. Grupo Corpo is based in...
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Two of Brazil’s most talented and treasured guitar players often pair up to play together. Armandinho plays the little mandolin-like instrument, called a Cavaquinho (kah-vah-keen-yo), a traditional folk instrument in Brazil, while Yamandu Costa plays the guitar. Together, they volley back and forth with jaw-dropping speed and...
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Up the northern coast of Porto Seguro, the beaches stretch on for miles. There is little difference among the beaches along this ten-kilometer stretch. They all have fairly wide strips of fine sand with medium-sized waves and semi-blue, semi-clear water (depending on the season). If you’re looking for charming tropical beaches...
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Walking up along the northern beaches is a must while you’re in Arraial. First, the beaches themselves are long and excellent for swimming–with clear, warm water that is generally shallow and calm. Plus, there are kiosks spread at intervals all along this part of the coast, many associated with some pousada or other (but the...
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Take a visual vacation to Brazil with this photo e-book. See just how blue the water is along the extensive coastline of the Northeast Region. Get a glimpse of the people and the culture that is Brazil. This promotional e-book is free and we encourage you to copy and distribute it as much as you can. 
Heading to Rio de Janeiro? Take this handy 3-day itinerary with you to get the most out of your journey in the least amount of time. Download and take it with you on your laptop or on CD, or use the printable pages in your notebook or day planner. Available for FREE from this site.
